{"id":627627,"date":"2024-04-08T09:30:44","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T13:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627627"},"modified":"2025-08-25T18:07:33","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T22:07:33","slug":"over-the-counter-medicine-for-anxiety-and-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/over-the-counter-medicine-for-anxiety-and-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"5 over-the-counter treatments for stress and anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Everyone experiences some amount of stress and anxiety, whether it\u2019s caused by big life changes, busy seasons, or more serious issues\u2014like illness or the sudden loss of a loved one. But sometimes stress becomes chronic, affecting your physical health and your mental health. Sometimes, anxiety isn\u2019t triggered by anything external but comes from within, interfering with your ability to function in your daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suppose your stress or anxiety level seems unusually elevated. In that case, you\u2019re not alone: about <\/span>19% of the U.S. population lives with an anxiety disorder<\/span>, and according to our own 2025 stress statistics, <\/span>about 75% of Americans<\/span><\/a> report frequent symptoms of stress like fatigue and headaches.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although stress and anxiety don\u2019t always require treatment with medication, both over-the-counter and prescription medications can be used to alleviate your symptoms. In addition to the <\/span>often-prescribed antidepressants like Zoloft<\/span>, some vitamins and supplements are associated with reducing levels of stress and anxiety and may be a safe choice for people who want to enhance the effects of their existing treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

5 over-the-counter treatments for anxiety and stress<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are dozens of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and supplements marketed as stress- or anxiety-relieving. Still, it\u2019s important to know that many of these products are not backed by enough quality research or evidence. You can stock up on valerian root, ashwagandha, and chamomile, but the science for many of these natural remedies is unconvincing\u2014and herbal supplements are not safe for everyone to take, carrying the risk of interaction with other medications or existing medical conditions. Finally, while some vitamins and supplements are a safe, convenient, and affordable way to find relief from stress and anxiety, they shouldn\u2019t be used in place of appropriate medical care.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOTC options aren’t a substitute for professional advice, and self-diagnosis can be risky,\u201d says <\/span>Faisal Tai<\/span><\/a>, MD, psychiatrist and founder of PsychPlus.com. \u201cPersistent or severe anxiety symptoms require evaluation by a healthcare professional who can recommend appropriate treatments, which may include prescription medications or therapy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, here are the five best OTC treatment options for stress and anxiety based on expert advice and scientific research. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new treatment, even if it has natural ingredients.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Magnesium<\/span><\/h3>\n

Magnesium coupons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Magnesium<\/span><\/a> is an electrolyte your body needs to perform many functions, including regulating muscle and nerve function, maintaining blood pressure, and developing protein and bone. Many people also recommend it for overall relaxation and improved sleep, which can have drastic positive effects on your mood.<\/span> Several studies looking at magnesium\u2019s effectiveness in improving sleep quality have been generally positive.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, a <\/span>review of studies<\/span><\/a> found that people getting enough magnesium reported better sleep than people who didn\u2019t (though random clinical trials weren\u2019t able to confirm a direct link between magnesium supplementation and sleep quality). Some people also recommend taking magnesium supplements for muscle relaxation because <\/span>it helps regulate muscle contractions<\/span><\/a> and can <\/span>aid in muscle recovery after a workout<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In general, <\/span>magnesium<\/span><\/a> is relatively safe, and adults may be able to supplement with as much as 400 to 600 milligrams per day; however, too much magnesium can cause gastrointestinal distress. Certain medications can interact with magnesium, while others can affect magnesium levels.<\/span><\/p>\n